By Laura Latzko
The Tambora Volcano, also known as Mount Tambora, is found on Sumbawa Island in Indonesia. The volcano played a major part in shaping the history of the island and the world, during an eruption that is considered the most powerful in history.
1815 Eruption
After being dormant for 5,000 years, Mount Tambora erupted in 1815 after having smaller eruptions of steam and ash since 1812. The eruption occurred in April and killed 10,000 people in island villages immediately. The eruption was more powerful than the one that wiped out the town of Pompeii. Over 71,000 people died on the island and on nearby Lombok Island.
Eruption Effects
More than 90,000 people died because of the eruption because it killed crops, led to diseases and caused a tsunami. The eruption also caused global temperatures to decrease as much as 37.4 degrees F in 1816. These drops were especially significant in Europe, Asia and North America.
Buried Town
A buried village was found in 2004 near the site of the volcano. Archeologists found artifacts from a village that once sat on Sumbawa Island, including ceramic pots and bronze bowls. They also found the remains of two humans.
Facts
Besides 1815, Mount Tambora had modern eruptions in 1880 and 1967. It is also believed to have erupted around 3910 B.C., 3050 B.C. and 740 B.C. The volcano is almost 869 feet above sea level. Before the 1815 eruption, Mount Tambora was more than 1,310 feet above sea level.
Appearance
The volcano is classified as a composite volcano because it has a symmetrical shape and slopes. It also features a caldera that has a diameter of 16,404 feet and reaches 13,123 feet above sea level.
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Latzko is a freelance writer based in Phoenix, Ariz. She has reported for the
"Columbia Missourian," "Columbia Daily Tribune," "Downtown Express" and "Washington Times." She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri.
